As s**t as football is for us right now, I have to say I have really fallen for Pinto this

season. I realise that it might sound a bit strange to say that he's been a great captain as I suspect that our downturn has coincided a little with him taking over the armband, but I don't think that's a factor. But I love how he seems to be a guy who would run through a brick wall for Norwich and seems to do all the right things on the pitch - shouting, cajoling but also the first to go and pick a dejected player off the floor after a mistake, etc. Yesterday even saw him at one point realise that both central midfielders were lost in the opponent's half during a Preston break, and that there was no immediate threat from our right, so came back in to play the defensive midfield role until the danger was cleared and he could return to his usual position. During that time Zimmerman drifted slight right to fill in. Those are the things which, in a style such as Farke prefers, need to become second nature.

Problem is that for most footballers brought up in England, they are learning it for the first time as adults whereas in countries like Germany, Spain and the Netherlands it is taught from the youngest of ages. Years ago I remember going to a Feyenoord-Ajax game and before it they had the under 9 teams playing each other. Their positional sense and fluidity was incredible! I truly believe in Cruijffian football but agree with Cruijff that you need to start teaching that and how to play in and out of tight spaces from an early age (e.g. his 6-a-side courts kids play on over here).

Anyway, I digress. I love Peeento.

Posted By: Steve in Holland, Nov 26, 10:08:22